Consecutive AMA American Superbike Championships in 2010 and 2011, plus a World Superbike Championship in 2009, give the 998cc in-line four Yamaha YZF-R1 sportbike serious on-track bona fides. After successfully adopting its crossplane crankshaft in 2009 from Yamaha’s MotoGP championship-winning YZR-M1, the 2012 Yamaha R1 receives another technology from premier-level racing: seven-level traction control. Coupled with a new ECU and three-level Drive Mode electronic throttle response control, there are 21 different TC/D-mode combinations for tailoring the YZF-R1 to rider preferences. Other enhancements include a more aggressively styled headlight cowl, distinctive LED position lights, redesigned footpegs and restyled muffler caps and heat shields. And a new top triple clamp resembles the one found on the YZR-M1.
The World GP 50th Anniversary Edition R1 celebrates Yamaha’s racing heritage with Pearl White/Rapid Red livery, a 50th Anniversary emblem on top of the fuel tank, gold Yamaha badges, MotoGP inspired graphics and a special plate showing the production number of only 2,000 units that will be produced worldwide. The R1 will be in dealerships in October in four colors: Raven, Team Yamaha Blue/White ($13,990), Pearl White/Candy Red ($14,190) and the 50th Anniversary Edition ($14,490).
Rounding out Yamaha’s supersport lineup, the YZF-R6, FZ1, FZ8, FZ6R and FJR1300 all return for 2012 with new colors. For more information, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.
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